This post was originally published on November 21st, 2017. A lot has changed since then, with Facebook Messenger bots and with FunnelDash, so we’ve updated the post to reflect these changes. We hope they help you use Facebook Messenger to grow your agency faster.
Did you know Facebook reports that 1.49 billion people use the platform on a daily basis?
And according to Brandwatch:
- Facebook adds 500,000 new users every day: That’s 6 new profiles every second.
- 68% of all Americans are on Facebook.
- 79% of all adults in the U.S. who spend time online use Facebook.
- 76% of Facebook users check their wall every day.
- The average user spends 35 minutes on Facebook a day.
- Facebook accounts for 53.1% of all logins on social media.
Let’s also consider Facebook Messenger.
As a natural extension to Facebook, Messenger has roughly 1.3 billion monthly active users, according to Statista. It also ranks second among mobile chat apps worldwide.
Because this communications powerhouse is only going to grow and expand its reach with time, we’re going to share 5 ways you can tap into the power of Facebook Messenger and utilize it for your digital marketing agency.
#1 Advertise Using Facebook Messenger Ads
Facebook ads reach more potential customers in a more targeted way than just about any other advertising method available today.
Within Facebook, there are a number of different options:
- Facebook Newsfeed Ads
- Instant Articles
- Instagram Ads
- Facebook Messenger Ads
We recommend Facebook Messenger Ads because of their lower cost, ability to make an instant connection and ease of following up with leads.
Once a potential lead is in your Facebook Messenger Funnel, you can guide them through a sequence using a Facebook Messenger bot to qualify them for your services, send more free resources or let them know about your special offers.
Here’s an example from EarthHero. They provide value up front with a “31 Day Zero Waste Challenge”. Throughout the 31 days, they’ll offer information about their services and links to products available for purchase on the website.
To learn more about creating your first Messenger Ad, check out this article “Creating Your First Facebook Messenger Ad”.
#2 Share Your Messenger QR Code At Events
Messenger codes are a great way to open up the conversation with prospective clients or businesses when you’re out and about.
Are you going to a conference or trade show this year? Have your QR code ready to scan for potential leads. This will give you the opportunity to start a conversation and learn what you can do to help their business.
Think of the Messenger QR Code as a breadcrumb for your prospects. Once a person scans your code they can send you messages, visit your Facebook page, and click through to your website to learn more about you.
Not only can you present your code on a mobile phone, but it can also be printed on physical media.
Do you like to hand out business cards at events? Put the QR code on the back.
Does your Digital Agency send out flyers or postcards? Add the Messenger Code, so people can get in touch quickly.
You could even insert your code in local magazines. Connect with others and expand your network wherever you can.
Not sure how to create a Messenger QR code? Check out this how-to article for instructions.
To learn more about setting up Messenger Ads, check out this article.
#3 Convert Cold Leads to Clients
There is nothing people want more than to know that you genuinely care about their business and want to help them succeed.
The quickest way to do this is to present an irresistible offer that benefits them on your website or Facebook Page.
This could be a popup Messenger widget that says “Welcome! We’d love to help you increase your profits. Click the button below for a FREE strategy session with one of our Facebook Experts!”
Who wouldn’t want to take you up on that offer? You’re providing leads the opportunity to walk away with a detailed plan from an expert and learn how you can help them be more successful.
Another way to show prospective clients that you care is to be available in real time to address any questions or concerns. This is your chance to show your expertise and gain their trust. Give leads the opportunity to get to know you, understand what you can do to help and build rapport.
Here’s an example popup, where potential users can ask questions and receive answers in real time.
Connecting on Facebook Messenger also gives you the opportunity to provide value.
Maybe you created an in-depth blog post on how to set up a Shopify store? Send a link to the post via Messenger.
Do you have a YouTube channel where you provide weekly tips and nuggets of information on how to successfully run Facebook Messenger Ads? Let your prospects know each time you post a new video.
Here’s an example of provide pure value to your messenger subscribers.
There’s no shortage of resources you can provide to potential clients. The more free, valuable information you give, the more they will get to know, like and trust you as the expert.
#4 Capture Prospects’ Contact Information
Facebook Messenger automation is an easy and time-saving way to provide answers and resources.
Most companies have a set of frequently asked questions, like:
- What are your hours?
- What services do you offer?
- Do you have any coupons or discounts?
Automating frequently asked questions not only allows you to quickly address inquiries but gives you the opportunity to capture email addresses and phone numbers in the process.
For example, when some asks if you have any coupons, you can request an email address to send the discount code.
You could also request an email address in order to provide detailed information about your services. Requesting a phone number will also allow you to follow up on any services they are interested in.
Check out this example from SnapTravel. They created a menu that allows users to search travel options, receive a discount and get help from customer support.
Use the Facebook Messenger Bot tool to set up a Menu, so prospect or client questions are answered immediately and you don’t have to spend time repeating answers. The longer a person has to wait for a simple answer, the more likely they are to move on to the next company.
Another great way to automate is by allowing current clients and prospects to schedule calls through Facebook Messenger. Linking to a third party scheduling tool, such as Calendly, makes the process seamless.
Your clients can set up weekly or monthly calls with a click of a button. No more back and forth to figure out what time works best for everyone.
Prospects can schedule a consultation call to learn about the various services you offer. This is prime time to collect an email address and/or phone number.
This example from FunnelDash’s Facebook Messenger bot allows new users to schedule an on-boarding call with the click of a button:
Our favorite way to automate using Facebook Messenger is to set up a sequence that prequalifies leads. Asking prospects specific questions will allow you to gain clarity about their business and the services they are interested in.
You could ask questions such as…
- Do you currently run Facebook Ads?
- What is your monthly budget for Facebook Ads?
- What is your target monthly revenue?
Here’s an example sequence for a Dentist’s Office, created in the FunnelDash App:
If you want to learn more about creating sequences, click over to our Pre-Qualify Your Leads Using Facebook Messenger Funnels post.
#5 Keep Your Business Visible
Once you’ve connected with prospective clients on Facebook Messenger, it’s important to keep your business on their radar. Ask yourself these questions to figure out what you could send out to keep YOU, top of mind:
- Are you launching a new product or service?
- Have you created a partnership with another business?
- Are you offering a seasonal discount?
- Do you have a local event coming up?
- Did your business receive an accreditation?
These are all great ways to let others know you are constantly working to improve your business by expanding your network, keeping up with the latest industry changes and appreciating their loyalty.
Check out this example from Live A Great Story. They used Messenger to let people know they are launching a new product, including an “early bird” discount.
In this example, Project Life Mastery used Facebook Messenger to let their subscribers know about a value-packed free training event. Not only are they providing incredible value, but showing their expertise.
How Do We Use Facebook Messenger At FunnelDash?
Here at FunnelDash, we use a combination of methods including integrated widgets on various websites and a “Hello Prompt” on our Facebook Page.
“Hello Prompt” on the FunnelDash Facebook Page:
Widget popup for a Digital Marketing Agency:
Both of these techniques guide and pre-qualify our visitors through a Facebook Messenger Funnel which is a series of automated questions and responses.
Here’s an example of the sequence used to pre-qualify leads:
When the visitor completes the funnel they are rewarded with an opportunity to have their Facebook Ads audited completely FREE.
In addition, they will receive a FREE consultation call from one of our Facebook Ad Experts where they can discuss their current campaigns as well as identify any opportunities to improve their conversions.
Ready to Automate the Lead Generation Process with Facebook Messenger?
Getting leads doesn’t have to be hard. You just need to be where your customers are and have the right tool to automate the process.
Messenger Funnels let you send people to a Facebook Messenger bot via a popup on your website, a “Send to Messenger” button or a QR code.
Using a Facebook Messenger Bot allows you to start a conversation with your leads faster and get them scheduled for a Facebook ads audit, as well as answer any questions they may have before the call.
These features are available for you to use right now, just log into the FunnelDash app to get started.
Don’t have FunnelDash? Check out what you can do with FunnelDash to grow your digital marketing agency right now. Grab your Messenger Funnels now and start bringing in new clients!
